Latest news with #CentralMarineFisheriesResearchInstitute
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
CMFRI's seed production technology wins national acclaim
Kochi: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has achieved national acclaim for its innovative seed production technology for Giant trevally. It has been recognized as one of the top five fisheries innovations in the country by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The achievement highlights the technology's significance in sustainable mariculture practices. CMFRI director Grinson George stated, "The technology will boost the production of this commercially important fish, contributing to the nation's seafood security and blue economy". Giant trevally's characteristics, including swift growth and adaptability, position it as an excellent choice for mariculture. The species thrives in diverse marine and estuarine settings, such as cages, pens and coastal ponds. Its superior growth rate compared to pompanos, combined with its tolerance to varying salinity and water conditions, provides farmers with enhanced operational flexibility. The market value of this popular marine fish ranges from Rs 400 - 700/ kg. The development process at CMFRI encountered substantial obstacles, particularly due to the species' natural habitat preferences and complex reproduction patterns. The successful technological breakthrough was achieved by a team of scientists including Ambarish P Gop, M Sakthivel and B Santhosh at CMFRI's Vizhinjam regional centre. Following CMFRI's established protocol utilizing pellet feeds, the fish attains a marketable weight of 500g within five months, progressing to approximately 1kg after eight months of cultivation.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Recognition for CMFRI
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute's (CMFRI) seed production technology for giant trevally (Vatta) has been selected among the country's top five innovations in fisheries by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), according to the Institute. The technology was officially released by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the 97th Foundation Day celebrations of ICAR in New Delhi, said a communication issued here. CMFRI director Grinson George hoped that the technology would significantly boost the production of the commercially important fish.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Reporting up? Dolphin carcasses keep washing up on state's shores
Kochi: Is the Kerala coast turning into a graveyard for dolphins? The number of dolphin carcasses washing ashore in the state is on the rise — 18 were recorded last year, up from 12 in 2023. This year, around four carcasses have been reported so far, including two in Thrissur, in which forest officials suspect the sinking of a cargo vessel carrying hazardous material off the Alappuzha coast may have played a role. Of the 18 dolphins found last year, nine were males and two females, while the gender of the rest could not be identified due to decomposition. Notably, six strandings were reported in Aug alone. Seven of last year's carcasses were recovered in the Kozhikode forest territorial division. The carcasses found along the Kerala coast are of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, a species listed under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Experts in marine mammal research attribute the rising trend to increased awareness about reporting of strandings, intensive fishing activities, underwater noise pollution from the growing number of vessels and interactions between dolphins and vessels. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "Dolphins used to drift ashore in the region earlier also, but their reporting was comparatively less. Marine mammals die in sea for various reasons: vessel strikes, entanglement as bycatch, old age, disease and pollution. After death, the carcass either sinks or drifts ashore. With coastal communities now more aware of these species and their significance, almost all strandings are being reported," said R Ratheesh Kumar, a senior scientist with the marine biodiversity and environment management division of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). He said the stranding of the marine mammal carcass was observed to be comparatively high on our coast during the monsoon. "This is due to the drifting of carcasses mostly to the coastal region as the monsoon winds are towards the coast. Also, the rough seas during the monsoon disrupt dolphins, which rely on sound for communication, navigation and hunting, increasing the chances of them being accidentally struck by vessels," he said. Fishermen are well aware that killing dolphins is a serious offence. "They don't target dolphins, but these mammals sometimes get caught in fishing nets. Dolphins, which breathe through lungs, need to come to the sea surface every 8 to 12 minutes to breathe. When they get stuck in nets, they cannot surface to breathe, which can lead to death. The carcasses that do not sink may eventually wash ashore," he said. Veterinary officials conduct autopsies on these carcasses to determine the cause of death. Chief wildlife warden Pramod G Krishnan, who was part of the Project Dolphin launched by the Union govt in 2020, said a land-based model of conservation with a species-centric approach is not suitable for marine species. "We need a marine conservation template, keeping in mind the fishermen community, their livelihood and conservation needs. For dolphins to survive, we need to ensure that the livelihood requirements of people are met. We need to involve scientific institutions as well," he said.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Experts call for coordinated action to tackle illegal shark fishing and trade
Kochi: Marine experts have called for coordinated action and increased awareness to tackle illegal shark fishing and trade. An interactive workshop and panel discussion organized by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Monday highlighted the importance of collaboration among various agencies to ensure conservation of protected species in the wake of India's recent expansion of the list of sharks and rays protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Experts who attended the meeting felt the need to identify gaps in monitoring and enforcement. Habitat mapping, public awareness campaigns, gear modification, demarcation of conserved areas, AI-supported shark recognition devices and an identification manual were proposed in the workshop. Shark fins in frozen form may often be difficult to identify by enforcement agencies, requiring the need for a strengthened collective capacity among all agencies involved in fisheries management, trade regulation, biodiversity conservation and enforcement. Inaugurating the workshop, CGST & customs chief commissioner Shaik Khader Rahman said joint training exercises and a real-time communication channel among customs, fisheries officials, coastal police, researchers, and forest and wildlife departments are essential to enhance enforcement. "There is a need to forge lasting understanding and actionable strategies between conservation and enforcement," he said. "Fishing pressure and unregulated trade, together with other natural and anthropogenic factors like pollution and climate change, have placed many shark species under threat of extinction," said CMFRI director Grinson George. "Over 40 elasmobranch species are now listed under CITES I (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This means that any trade involving these species must be accompanied by permits ensuring that their extraction from the wild is sustainable and not detrimental to their survival," he said, adding that effective conservation requires awareness among fishing communities, strengthening of monitoring, enforcement and international collaboration. At the same time, marine scientists cautioned that while implementing stricter conservation measures, livelihoods of fishermen must also be considered. "Shark fishing is a primary source of income for many Indian fishing families and enforcement should not disrupt legitimate fishing activities," said CMFRI finfish fisheries division head Shoba Joe Kizhakudan. Union fisheries joint secretary Neetu Kumari Prasad and T M Najmudeen also spoke at the function. Apart from marine scientists, officials from state fisheries and wildlife departments, customs, Coast Guard, Navy and wildlife crime control bureau, along with representatives of exporters and various NGOs, took part in the discussion.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Seaweed sector in India holds promise: Experts
Mangaluru: India has immense untapped potential in seaweed cultivation, but scaling up production will require targeted policies, scientific planning, and serious investment from private sector, according to Dr Grinson George, director, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Speaking about the current status, Dr George said global seaweed production stands at 35.5 million metric tonnes, while India contributes only around 1 lakh tonnes. "Over 300 sites have been identified for seaweed cultivation across the country, but profitability remains a major hurdle," he said. For the sector to grow meaningfully, multinational companies must step in with serious investments, he added. "Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have submitted draft policies on marine-culture policy. A team is working on seaweed cultivation with support from dept of fisheries, govt of India," he noted. Dr George pointed out that the type of seaweed cultivated plays a crucial role in commercial viability. Native species like Sargassum fetch just Rs 11 per kg, while non-native varieties such as Kappaphycus alvarezii fetch up to Rs 69 per kg. The govt has issued import and quarantine guidelines. CMFRI, which was designated as the Centre of Excellence for Seaweed Farming, is now facilitating stakeholder consultations to frame sustainable cultivation practices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Meanwhile, director of Karnataka fisheries department, Dinesh Kumar Kaller said that despite salinity fluctuations and urbanisation challenges in Mangaluru, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts show great potential for seaweed farming. "We tried seaweed cultivation in Ankola, but it did not succeed due to fluctuating salinity. We are now considering a cluster model and looking to procure high-quality seeds from Mandapam (Tamil Nadu) or Bhavnagar (Gujarat). This approach can reduce transportation costs for farmers and simplify marketing," he said. He also added that CMFRI has identified suitable locations in Udupi and Uttara Kannada, and a cluster-based model could help unlock the region's potential for sustainable and profitable seaweed farming.
